PEOPLE are being urged to look out for elderly neighbours in order to help protect them from rogue traders.
The Safer New Forest Partnership is urging residents to report doorstep sales people who use bullying tactics to get residents to sign on the dotted line for services, including replacement windows, driveway repairs and roofing.
The partnership, which includes Police safer neighbourhood teams and Hampshire County Council community safety officers, is concerned that elderly people in particular may feel pressurised into letting sales people into their homes and may agree to costly, unnecessary and possibly fraudulent services. People are being reminded to ask for ID from callers at the door and not to let them inside their home if they are trying to sell something.
“Please be wary if door-to-door sales people call uninvited,” said New Forest North Inspector Simon Tribe. “If you receive an unwelcome visit, close your door immediately and contact the police on 101 and if you have elderly neighbours, please check on them and warn them to do the same.”
‘No cold calling’ stickers are available from New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council or by contacting community safety co-ordinator Stephanie Bennett on 02380 285588 or stephanie.bennett@nfdc.gov.uk.
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